At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a call from Eckerd College Search and Rescue reporting three people were stranded after a 21-foot boat ran aground on a spoil island.

Watchstanders issued a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast asking for assistance from other boaters in the area. After no response to the MARB, a 29-foot Response Boat Small-II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg was launched. The boatcrew transported the teenagers and their dog, Colt, to William’s Park where the teen’s parents awaited.

There were no reported injuries.

“The crew was very helpful and they did a great job of keeping us calm,” said Sweet. “They were very professional, and loved the dog.”

Sweet said he would recommend other boaters always check tide charts before going out on the water. The Coast Guard couldn’t agree more.

“We ask boaters to check the weather before leaving the dock,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Alan Moriwaki, a crewmember at Station St. Petersburg. “This includes tides, and knowing the limitations of your boat. Even in Florida you can be susceptible to cold weather.”